During an audience with representatives from the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches, the pontiff launched a harsh warning to the leaders of the world over the unresolved wars from Ukraine to the Middle East. The pope also called on Christians around the world to learn from those who are the seed of forgiveness and salvation amid the bombs. In the West, Christians must realise “Eastern Catholics today are no longer our distant cousins who celebrate unfamiliar rites”.
At least a hundred people attacked Kafr Malik, then soldiers opened fire on civilians, killing and wounding several. A 15-year-old boy was also killed in Al-Yamoun. “We live under constant fire from settlers, and under the crossfire of the Israeli occupation army,” said Fr Bashar Fawadleh, “but we are not afraid to remain in our land.”
In his latest reflection in his “war diary”, Archbishop Mathieu turns to the ceasefire in force since yesterday between Israel and Iran, after the US intervention. The '12-day war' has changed “the perception of the world”. He is grateful for the sense of “the closeness” expressed “in many ways”. Yet, “We are still at the right of self-defence,” he writes. And “if we think that caring for our flowers and plants is all about weeding, we risk making the soil sterile.” Transmitting “love and not hate” is a challenge.
In a situation that remains “worrying” despite the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Monsignor Martinelli recalls that “the possibility of dialogue must never be abandoned”. The document on brotherhood is a “response of peace to violence”. Prayer and friendship initiatives at the Abrahamic Family House in the footsteps of St Francis. Places are needed to “experience hope, peace and reconciliation”.
Trump announced a ceasefire, but promising new attacks, Israel accuses Iran of violating it, a claim Iran rejected. Bishop Nahra describes Israel as a nation still "paralysed" by "permanent war”, vulnerable to rockets. He expressed closeness to Christians in Syria, victims of religious violence. He stressed the need for people "rooted in hope”, while waiting for pilgrims’ return.
Leo XIV has approved the election of the new leader of the Franciscan presence in the Holy Places, following in the footsteps of the saint of Assisi. Italian, 55 years old, the new custos takes over from Francesco Patton who has reached the end of his mandate. For the Minister General of the Friars Minor Massimo Fusarelli, "The particular context of conflict and violence” in the Holy Land and in the Middle East “makes our mission in these places even more urgent.”
